Equal opportunity and diversity

Your feedback on Flinders University’s draft ‘2023-2026 – Disability Action Plan’ (the DAP).

Introduction to the DAP

Flinders University’s Strategic Plan Making a Difference: The 2025 Agenda outlines the University’s commitment “to Champion diversity and create a vibrant, inclusive and values based community that makes Flinders the destination of choice for students and staff”.

The Flinders University Disability Policy (DP) affirms Flinders commitment to providing an environment where students and staff with disability are valued, supported, and encouraged, and are able to, as far as practicably possible, participate fully and independently in the life of the University. The University is committed to complying with all relevant legislation regarding access and equity for people with disabilities.

What’s the current DAP about?

This DAP, in conjunction with the Flinders University Disability Policy sets out the University’s approach to defining and meeting its obligations and responsibilities under Part 3 of the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992 and is lodged with the Australian Human Rights Commission.

The role of the University’s Disability and Accessibility Committee (UDAC) is to oversee and monitor the implementation of the DAP by coordinating initiatives across the University and ensuring that the goals and strategies from the DAP continue to be aligned with the University’s Strategic Plan.

Biannual reports are to be provided to the Vice-Chancellor via the Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, on the implementation and effectiveness of the DAP and Disability Policy.

The DAP takes account of the associated Disability Standards for Education 2005. Universities Australia (formerly Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (AVCC)) Guidelines on Information Access for Students with Print Disabilities (November 2004) and Guidelines Relating to Students with Disabilities (May 2006) which were predicated on the following two key principles:

(i)              that Universities will uphold academic standards such that students graduate with the requisite skills and knowledge associated with the degree conferred; and

(ii)            that Universities provide students with disabilities with the opportunity to realise their academic and social potential and to participate fully in university life.

Why is your feedback important?

The feedback back from students will help shape the final 2023-2026 - DAP.
The draft DAP can be downloaded here - Flinders Draft Disability Action Plan.pdf
The feedback form can be downloaded here - Student feedback from for draft Disability Action Plan

The feedback process closes at 5 p.m. on Friday, 17 November 2023.

Focus group details:

All students are invited to participate in a focus group which will be held on Thursday, 16th November 2023 from 11:00am-12:00pm at the Noel Stockdale Room which is located on level 1 of the Central Library (Room 1.67). Head towards the Information Desk and turn left down the corridor, then turn right and walk to the end of the corridor.

How do I register for the focus group?

You can register your participation by opening the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/vBSSFL5ATV?origin=lprLink

Please contact Disability Services on 8201 2118 or by email DAPfeedback@flinders.edu.au if you have any questions or require further information about the DAP and/or the feedback process.

The University actively promotes awareness of and respect for, the diversity of our staff and students. Equal opportunity and anti-discrimination policies and practices are required of universities and other organisations under state and federal legislation in Australia. It is unlawful to discriminate against staff and students in employment and education on the grounds outlined in the legislation, including sex, race, sexuality, pregnancy, caring responsibilities, age or disability.

The legislation includes the Workplace Gender Equality Act (2012) which has a focus on promoting and improving gender equality and outcomes for both women and men in the workplace.

Flinders University values and respects the social, cultural and linguistic diversity of its community and encourages inclusive practices in order to provide an environment that is creative, innovative, flexible and productive. We have a series of internal policies and strategies that support the legislative requirements. These are complemented by the development of programs and initiatives in all areas and at all levels of the University to support and encourage diversity in our staff and student population.

We have a well-established structure to address grievances associated with discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment. Our procedures have an emphasis on informal resolution processes and in many instances we are able to respond quickly to problems that arise and achieve a positive outcome for all people concerned.

As Vice-Chancellor at Flinders University, I would remind all staff and students of their obligations to incorporate equal opportunity principles into their academic and working practices so that the University environment and culture is one of equal access and equal opportunity.

Professor Colin J Stirling

Vice-Chancellor